Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Tempted by Aero S1

Hi everyone,
A few years ago,I owned a lovely, well sorted Plus 8, 4.6 in black with mulberry leather.Sadly I needed some funds and had to sell it.Since then I have had a 350Z and a Griffith 500.I shall very soon be able to get back to a Morgan and have been looking for a Mk1 Roadster as the basis for a fast road car.Last weekend it dawned on me that for price of a V6 Roadster with the various mods I would like done I could just about get myself into a V8 S1 Aero.I have since driven my first Aero and enjoyed it. The standard gear knob seemed too tall and judging where the front and rear of the car are would take some practice, but overall it was a good experience.
Does anyone do a quick shift kit for an Aero and has anyone fitted parking sensors, the ones that dont show on the outside ?

Librand do a quick shift for the Aero 8. Although you can change the gear knob for a spherical alloy knob that shortens the stick considerably.

Not sure about parking sensors, but I guess you could aftermarket if you wanted to.

Hi

I just changed my roadster for a S1 Aero an I am delighted
A much more practical proposition in my view

You will notice the width a bit more but that is easy to get used to
I do know someone who fitted parking sensors an the vapour from the exhaust interferes with the so maybe a number plate Solution could work

Not sure non the short shift option

GO for it !

Regards

Hello Morgan12

I also owned a well sorted +8 for many years but then hankered after an Aero 8. Knowing that the search might be long, since I wanted an LHD S1 model in yellow, after the +8 was sold I bought a Griffith 500 (for less than half the price of the +8!) to keep me amused. Funnily enough I never really took to the Griffith though it's a great package and the roof imho is brilliant.

Apart from when I took delivery of the car 5 years ago, during rush hour conditions around Paris, I have never had any problems either judging the overhang or the width of the car. A couple of times though I have been caught out by kerbs when parking nose on, don't know whether the sensors would address this.

I love the car, it's very raw and I think it's far more useable than the +8. My wife also finds it extremely comfortable, not the words she used to describe the +8.

As said already, go for it!

Cheers

I switched from a Mk1 Roadster to S1 Aero this summer, having coveted an Aero for many years. You are right, not a huge gap in price now. Although the S1's are reaching their 10th birthdays, mine having already celebrated this landmark. So they are no longer spring chickens, however 4 months in and 1k done, nothing to report other than a handbrake adjustment needed.
The gear knob is fine on mine, although I think I have an upgrade on standard, not sure it's a bit faded. The sensors would be very useful, I don't usually stop often but you cannot be too careful, no bumpers and parts that are a bit rare to find.
I have been concerned at how low the car is to the road and my exhausts will make contact in the dips. The roadster was low but the Aero looks even lower around the sump, a recent ferry trip was worrying.
My passengers also comment on the extra comfort over the previous trads, but no suprise there, with double wishbones instead of cart springs.
Wish you well on your search for the right car, I notice RTCC has a nice looking S1 on the website.
Dave

Many thanks for your comments. Librands no longer do a quick shift kit for the Aero, so any other sugestions would be welcome.It was the car at RTCC that I drove recently, I am hoping to buy it.

I viewed the car at RTCC and it looked really clean - everything is fixable ! Nice car ....

I had a short shift fitted by BHM earlier this year

The factory used to do a short shift kit.
It's basically just a shorter gearstick, so simple enough to deal with and fit.

Parking sensors are an option too but these additions always look a bit 'stuck on'. My solution was always to sit up higher in the seat when doing a tricky manoeuvre...

My S2 has a shortened gearstick and also the round knob on it.

Pros, very fast chances and short throw is nice to use. Round knob far nicer to the touch.

Cons, leverage is significantly reduced, this is okay for 1-6 but reverse is a real push. My wife is unable to get past the spring detent into reverse due to the pressure needed and a finger wound. She does not feel comfortable driving the car now in case she gets stuck. Make certain you can do it comfortably. Once they cut the stick down you are done !

I would love parking sensors on the front. The rear is okay as I am tall enough to see the rear boot beak. The front scares me. I have a line of soft cushions in the garage to protect it.